How To Determine The Correct Solar Panel System For Your Needs
Question:
I was thinking of the GO Pro 100 watt suitcase panel, for our small trailer. WE want to power tv and dvd player at night, some lights. Maybe slow cooker during the day. Toaster in the morning. Is it better to get one of the solar generators with the battery included? Just plug solar panel into that? What size would we need? I see you have several. The solar generator, takes the place of controller, battery and inverter?????? Correct?
asked by: Bruce L
Expert Reply:
It's a common misconception that solar panels can directly power equipment or appliances. Solar panels actually just collect power and transfer it to a battery. The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator - 110 Volt # 287-23000 you were looking at is basically just a battery that has multiple connections to power different appliances. This system would be totally separate from your RV's electrical system and would require you to plug anything you plan on running into the generator. The generator has a peak capacity of 396 Wh, 12 volt, 33 Ah so you would need to find out the amperage needed for each item you plan on running for a day and add them together to know if you'll have enough stored power. A 100w panel like this will recharge around 30Ah a day in peak conditions.
You'll need to first find out the amperage you're using in a day and then you can choose the correct battery and panel for your needs. I've attached our help guide articles on solar power to offer you some additional information and help you find the correct system for your needs. If you have any questions please feel free to reply back.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel - 100 Watts
- Portable Solar Panel
- Panel Only
- 51 - 100 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- Lithium-ion
- Goal Zero
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: solar generator
- Search Results: 100 watt solar panel
- Article: What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an RV Air Conditioner?
- Shop: Firman 3,300-Watt Portable RV Dual Fuel Inverter Generator - Propane or Gas - Electric Start
- Video: Valterra RV Wiring - Cable Hatch - A10-2150VP Review
- Shop: Valterra Locking Electrical Cable Hatch for RVs - 7-5/8" Wide x 6-1/2" Tall - White
- Shop: Valterra Electrical Cable Hatch for RVs - 4-9/16" Diameter - White
- Shop: Electrical Cable Hatch for RVs - 5-1/8" Diameter - White
- Shop: Tailgate
- Shop: RV Camera
- Article: 4 Common Myths About RV Solar Power
- Shop: Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel - 100 Watts
- Shop: Stromberg Carlson RV Bunk Ladder - Aluminum - 60" Tall - 250 lbs - Black
- Shop: Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System w/ Night Vision - Rear Mount - 4.3" Screen
- Q&A: Recommended Towing Mirrors for my 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Do Longview Custom Towing Mirrors Fit New Body Style 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Best towing Mirror For A 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom
- Q&A: Do K-Source Tow Mirrors for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Allow Power Fold Feature
- Q&A: What Towing Mirrors do you Recommend for my 2020 GMC Sierra SLT
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Q&A: Tow Mirror Solution for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with Cameras in Mirror Housings
- Video: K-Source Universal Clip-On Towing Mirror Installation - 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- Video: Review of K Source Custom Towing Mirrors - Snap-On Mirror - KS80930
- Video: K-Source Snap and Zap Custom Towing Mirrors Installation - 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Replacement 5 Leaf Slipper Spring for a Tandem Axle Dump Trailer with Two 6K Axles
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Portable Solar Panel
